Henry Sweets received a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1971 and a Master's in Education in 1973. He then taught high school science for two years in Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in New Jersey, and two years at Byron High School in Illinois. He next earned a Master of Arts degree in American History and Museum Studies from the University of Delaware in 1978. Sweets came to the Mark Twain Museum in January, 1978. He has edited the Museum publication The Fence Painter since 1982, led workshops and made many presentations on behalf of the Museum. Sweets has also served on the local Board of Education from 1992 to 2010. Henry is available to speak to your group about various topics related to Mark Twain. Favorite Twain Quote: "Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry."

Dena Ellis, Finance, Gift Shop, and Maintenance Manager

Dena Ellis came to the Mark Twain Museum in 2004 after spending nearly 20 years in the corporate world at Unicco, the maintenance providers at the BASF plant outside of Hannibal. She graduated from the San Diego College of Respiratory Therapy and attended college at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Hanniibal-LaGrange College. As a lifelong resident of Hannibal, Dena brings her love for Mark Twain, the Mississippi River, and Hannibal itself to her position as the manager of finances, maintenance, and the three gift shops at the Mark Twain Museum. Dena's desire is to have the museum set the standard for visitor enjoyment and to garner local pride of ownership in the museum properties. Favorite Twain quote: "Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."Melissa Cummins, Marketing and Community Relations Manager

Melissa Cummins received her B.A. in communications with an
emphasis in radio, television and film from the University of Missouri in Columbia,
Missouri. Melissa began her love of Mark Twain while traveling with her two daughters who were both Becky Thatcher Goodwill Ambassadors for the city of Hannibal. Her Mark Twain travels have taken her from coast to coast, visiting the log cabin Twain stayed in while writing his short story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County to touring Twain's home in Hartford, Connecticut and as far as the islands of Bermuda in which Twain was quoted to say "You can go to heaven if you want. I'd rather stay in Bermuda". Melissa manages the publicity for the museum as well as
advertising, social media and oversees the volunteer program and admissions.
She also helps plan fundraisers and events for the museum. Favorite Twain quote: "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

NaOn "Mai" Conrad, Administrative Assistant

Mai Conrad received a B.A. in Humanities from the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok, Thailand. After graduating she worked at The Oriental, a five-star hotel in Bangkok. She later pursued her interest in the hospitality industry and received her Hotel Management certificate from Eramuschool in Brussels, Belgium in 2002. She loves to travel and has visited several countries. Mai has learned to adjust to living in different cultures from spending time in many places. Her favorite destination is Christchurch, New Zealand, which was also a favorite of Mark Twain's. She attended school in Chicago in 2003 in order to improve her English skills. She has a son with whom she loves to spend time. Favorite Twain Quote: "To any foreigner, English is exceedingly difficult. Even the angels speak it with an accent."

Museum staff members are available to speak at various functions. Please contact the museum to schedule a speaker.